The Hermit’s Message for Our World and for You

The Hermit has an important message, by Julie Schmitt.

The Hermit

The Hermit is the collective tarot archetype for the year 2025. It comes from adding the numbers together of our current year; 2 + 0 + 2 + 5 = 9. Nine as the number of the Hermit.

When we first consider the Hermit, we may think of a recluse, one living a solitary existence.

However, in this current day, this archetype is not about removing ourselves from our everyday lives by hiding away and living in a cave.

Instead, it represents the willingness to step back from whatever we might be engaged in and spend a moment or longer if needed in self-inquiry and introspection.

Slowing down and pausing, listening for inner guidance and wisdom.

From the Star Tarot we see a wise old man carrying a lantern.

Shining a guiding light as the “way shower.” The light emits from a six-pointed star, composed of two interlocking triangles.

One pointing down as the feminine receptive earth energy, the other pointing up as the masculine penetrating ethereal energy.

Opposites joining to illumine our path, connecting us to the deeper truths in and around us.

In the Asherah tarot we see a younger women having a curious moment with a butterfly. The butterfly as a representation of transformation and rebirth.

At the bottom of the card, we find the Orphic Egg.

A symbol that represents the mysteries of creation; that of the earth and the cosmos, immanence and transcendence, as the cycles of life.

Both cards inviting us to step back from the fast-paced nature of our current world and to truly meet what is right here in this moment.

Paying attention, embracing the polarities and resting in their liminal spaces.

In the shadow the Hermit suggests an avoidance of self-reflection or being too rigid in one’s views.

Or perhaps too much withdrawal from the world either from choice or happenstance, resulting in a sense of loneliness or isolation.

For myself in our current times this makes sense.

I want to turn off the news, pull the covers over my head and pretend this whole calamity isn’t happening.

Yet by doing this I end up feeling like a victim that has nothing to offer.

The Hermit instead invites us to take a pilgrimage.

They are our escort, the torchbearer, navigator, sage and shaman.

This can be an actual physical or an ethereal being in your life, or you are the Hermit yourself.

We can go on a long retreat, or put aside an hour, or even just a few moments to be quiet and explore.

Doing practices like meditation, prayer and contemplation are helpful. Connection with nature can be deliciously grounding.

Reflecting on one’s dreams or doing a tarot reading, insightful.

All these journeys and practices invite us to discover the keys of wisdom within.

The quality of the Hermit to focus on now

I have an oracle deck that is deeply contemplative, reminding me of the Hermit’s spirit.

I drew a card from it to reflect the quality of the Hermit that we, both individually and collectively, need to focus on at this time.

From the Tulku Oracle, our guidance comes from the Wolf Eagle Goddess. Here is her message:

She calls us to reconnect with our innate and true essence, for we are so much more than we believe.

Our spirit and soul, woven together by stars, myth, poetry and timeless wisdom.

Our bodies are made from the earth’s elements with unseen interfaces that link us to all of life.

This card’s medicine invites us to embrace a deep sense of belonging, cultivating our ability to tune into one another, much like a wolf pack that shares an intuitive bond.

Like wolves, we are part of a greater community.

We can be a tribe that moves together as a close-knit family, protecting and supporting each other.

The Goddess blesses us with the keen eyes of an eagle, allowing us to perceive a broader, more comprehensive perspective.

She also reminds us of the sacred balance between the feminine and masculine energies, the moon and sun that both rise and set.

Teachings of reciprocity that urge us to honor the ebb and flow of giving and receiving.

Now is a potent time to focus on relationships; with ourselves, the earth and our communities.

First, like the Hermit, we acknowledge our inherent gifts and purpose.

Then we can seek out others who share a common direction and work together. “Celebrating individuation within the context of community,” as Karla Refoxo, the creator of this Oracle, tells us.

Just like the wolf pack, we are stronger when we protect and collaborate with one another.

We have the focus, now what?

I chose the Druidcraft Tarot to offer us further guidance, and I love that the Hermit card in this deck features a wolf. Here is the message:

Three of Pentacles: Threes represent creativity, two forces combining to create a third.

This card emphasizes collaboration, or at the least, being supportive of the work others are doing.

When we unite with a shared vision, we become greater than the sum of the parts.

Honor your inborn talents, but not in isolation for collaboration affirms your gifts.

If disagreements arise, keep an open communication. Like the eagle, focus on the bigger picture.

Be mindful of falling into power struggles and ego-driven dynamics. Cooperation is key.

Ace of Cups: Aces represent new beginnings, the seed and its potential, and in this reading, we have two.

The Hermit urges you to nourish this seed by deepening into your intuition and fostering bonds with others.

The Holy Grail depicted on this card is a blessing from the goddess, symbolizing love and spiritual connection.

Be cautious to not bury your emotions or disregard the feelings of others.

This is a time for emotional honesty and vulnerability, both with yourself and in your relationships.

Ace of Wands: Fire is the creative spark that fuels your enthusiasm, intuition and passion.

The time is ripe for new creative endeavors. Like the seed, this Ace holds the potential of the fully realized vision.

Birth your ideas into the world, don’t let apathy or hesitation smother your spark. Let your passion feed your journey by sharing that energy with others.

Bring your purpose to life without holding back.

The Hermit doesn’t necessarily mean ongoing solitude, instead you come to the collective table more grounded and aware because of your ongoing practices.

For these cards encourage collaboration, emotional honesty and creative action, made possible because of the inner work done.

Now is the time to move forward and nurture potential. Allow it to grow into something that benefits both you and the world.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

BIO:

Julie Schmidt is a writer, tarot reader, spiritual guide, poet and artist.

She is the creator of Liminal Walker Musings, where she shares about the Divine Feminine, Tarot, Celtic Wheel of the Year, and anything liminal.

Her background comes from a deep exploration of many interfaith and spiritual traditions.

Traditionally, she has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science, a master’s degree in consciousness studies and is an ordained minister.

Julie’s offerings and guidance are borne from weaving these many teachings and practices together.

Creating a wholistic, interconnected and relational way of living and being in the world.

Do you want to write a guest post for Creative Tarot Insights? A post will be featured every Monday and Wednesday. I am full until April. However, sign up here if you would like to contribute in the future!